HEMATOPOIETIC DEPRESSION FROM NITROGEN MUSTARD AND TRIETHYLENE MELAMINE

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the danger of bone marrow depression inherent in the use of nitrogen mustard (Mustargen) and triethylene melamine (TEM). The treatment of the malignant lymphomas with these drugs has been described by many investigators since the reports of Gilman1in 1945 and Karnofsky2in 1951. These compounds have been used mainly in the treatment of diffuse or generalized forms of the disease. Most investigators feel they are a welcome addition to the therapeutic armamentarium. The danger of total bone marrow depression has been noted before. In 20 courses of nitrogen mustard, Taffel3encountered 5 cases of severe leukopenia and 8 of moderate leukopenia. Thrombocytopenia occurred in six patients, four of whom developed spontaneous hemorrhages. Two deaths due to toxicity were observed by Kurnick and associates4while treating 24 cases of Hodgkin's disease. Six other patients developed marrow depression. They

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